Self-contained washing device

ABSTRACT

A self-contained washing device or kit includes a main brush having a brush plate and a cleaning member, an elongate extension member that may be selectively coupled to the main brush, and a storage housing for selectively receiving the main brush and extension member. The storage housing includes a watertight construction for selectively retaining cleaning fluids such as water and detergent. The brush plate includes a handle region and an elongate lower face that is bowed toward the handle region. The brush plate is constructed of a pliable material that allows the lower face to become less bowed when pressure is placed against the lower face. An auxiliary brush may also be provided separate from the main brush that includes first and second brushes each having different preselected cleaning characteristics. The storage housing defines an overflow outlet for draining excess cleaning fluids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to vehicle washing equipment and, more particularly, to a self-contained device for conveniently washing vehicles especially those having surfaces not easily reachable with traditional brushes and washing equipment.

Taking one's vehicle through a commercial car wash has become expensive and is sometimes inconvenient when there are long lines of waiting vehicles. Further, it is still desirable to wash one's own vehicle in order to obtain a superior wash without damage to the vehicle. Unfortunately, washing a vehicle may take a relatively long period of time, may be a tiresome task, and may be especially difficult with larger vehicles having unreachable surfaces, which is frequently the case with conversion vans and sport utility vehicles (SUV's).

Although vehicle washing devices such as brushes, sponges, and mitts are known in the art, these devices may not be sufficient to reach roof or hood surfaces on certain vehicles. Further, these devices still require locating and using a bucket or the like to hold soapy water. Still further, these devices are not easily and conveniently storable so as to be readily available each time a car wash is needed.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a self-contained cleaning device having one or more cleaning members suitable for cleaning various surfaces, tires, and wheels of a vehicle. Further, it would be desirable to have a self-contained cleaning device which includes extension devices that enable difficult to reach vehicle surfaces to be cleaned or for a cleaning tub to be accessed without a user having to bend over. And, it would be desirable that the device include a tub for containing a cleaning solution that may also be used for storing the rest of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self-contained cleaning device according to the present invention includes a main brush, an elongate extension member, and a storage housing that is watertight and dimensioned for selectively holding at least the main brush and extension member. The main brush includes a brush plate having a handle region and a lower face that is bowed toward the handle region. The brush plate is formed of a pliable material that enables it to become less bowed when pressure is exerted thereon. Thus, the main brush may be conformed to the surface it is being used to clean, is less likely to cause damage to the vehicle surface, and is also comfortable to the user.

The extension member includes a handle at one end and a securing member at an opposed end. The extension member is configured such that it may be secured to the main brush and force may be comfortably applied to the extension member for manipulating the main brush.

The storage housing is dimensioned to selectively receive the main brush and extension member therein. The storage housing defines an open top and may include a watertight construction so as to retain washing fluids like water and detergent. One wall of the container defines an opening adjacent the open top to provide an overflow outlet. Excess washing fluids may exit through this outlet opening such that suds are retained beneath the top edge of the container and are not blown away by the wind.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a self-contained washing device for improving the efficiency of washing a vehicle, particularly high profile vehicles like vans and SUV's.

Another object of this invention is to provide a self-contained washing device, as aforesaid, having a storage housing for selectively retaining a brush and extension member.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a self-contained washing device, as aforesaid, in which the storage housing is watertight with an open top for selectively retaining cleaning fluids.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a self-contained washing device, as aforesaid, in which the brush member includes a bowed configuration and a pliable construction for reducing the risk of damage to a vehicle surface.

A further object of this invention is to provide a self-contained washing device, as aforesaid, in which the brush member includes an ergonomic configuration that is comfortable for a user to manipulate.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a self-contained washing device, as aforesaid, in which the extension may be removably coupled to the brush member so as to enable difficult to reach vehicle surfaces to be cleaned effectively.

Another object of this invention is to provide a self-contained washing device, as aforesaid, in which the storage housing includes an overflow outlet so as to better retain suds below the open top.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a front view of a main brush of a self-contained washing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of the main brush as in FIG. 1 a;

FIGS. 2 a to 2 c are side, back, and perspective views, respectively, of an extension member according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are side and bottom views, respectively, of an auxiliary brush according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4 a to 4 c are side, top, and perspective views, respectively, of a storage housing according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A self-contained washing device 100 according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 a through 4 c of the accompanying drawings. More particularly, a self-contained washing device 100 (also referred to as a kit for washing a vehicle) according to the current invention includes a storage housing 110, a main brush 120, and an elongate extension member 130.

The storage housing 110 is dimensioned to selectively receive the main brush 120 and the extension member 130 (FIG. 4 c), and the storage housing 110 may be watertight to selectively retain washing fluids (i.e., water and detergent). More particularly, the storage housing 110 may have an open face 112 that provides access to an interior area 113 defined by the storage housing 110 (FIGS. 4 b and 4 c). The main brush 120, the extension member 130, and washing fluids may be selectively housed in the interior area 113. A strap 114 may be selectively positionable across the open face 112 to selectively secure the interior area 113, as shown in FIG. 4 c. The strap 114 may cooperate with studs 115 (FIGS. 4 a through 4 c) or other fastening methods may be used, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clasps, clamps, etc. While the strap 114 may be constructed from numerous suitable materials, it is preferably constructed of an elasticized material that forms a bungee strap 114.

A wall 116 adjacent the open face 112 may define an opening 117 dimensioned to receive a user's fingers, as shown in FIG. 4 a and FIG. 4 c. The opening 117 is preferably positioned adjacent the open face 112 to provide an overflow outlet adjacent the open face 112 for the washing fluids selectively contained in the interior area 113 (FIGS. 4 a and 4 c). By locating the opening 117 adjacent the open face 112, the majority of the interior area 113 may be used to contain the washing fluids. Further, suds created by the washing fluids may not be easily blown from the open face 112 since an upper portion 116 a of the wall 116 acts as a retaining member for the suds and excess washing fluid may depart through the opening 117.

The storage housing 110 may include a fastening member 118 for attaching the storage housing 110 to a wall or another item having a complementary fastening member (not shown). FIGS. 4 b and 4 c show the fastening member 118 as a hole capable of receiving a hook, nail, or other complementary fastening member, though other fastening members may be suitably used.

The main brush 120 has a cleaning member 121, a brush plate 122, and a first securing member 129 (FIGS. 1 a and 1 b). The brush plate 122 has a handle region 122 a and an elongate lower face 122 b. The lower face 122 b is preferably located between the cleaning member 121 and the handle region 122 a, and the cleaning member 121 is preferably biased to a concave configuration. One way of biasing the cleaning member 121 to a concave configuration is shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b; the lower face 122 b may be bowed toward the handle region 122 a and the cleaning member 121 may extend from adjacent the brush plate 122 in a direction away from the handle region 122 a.

The handle region 122 a may define a plurality of voids 123 dimensioned to receive as user's fingers, and an ergonomic material 124 (i.e., foam, rubber, etc.) may be placed adjacent each void 123. The ergonomic material 124 may allow a user to easily grip the brush plate 122 adjacent the voids 123.

The lower face 122 b may present opposed first and second ends 125 a, 125 b that are curved away from the cleaning member 121. This curvature may reduce the chances of nicking a vehicle being cleaned by the cleaning member 121. The brush plate 122 may be constructed of a durable and pliable material (i.e., flexible plastic) that allows the lower face 122 b to become less bowed when pressure is placed against the lower face 122 adjacent the first end 125 a, the second end 125 b, or both ends 125 a, 125 b. The first securing member 129 may be adjacent the first or second end 125 a, 125 b of the brush plate lower face 122 b (FIGS. 1 a and 1 b).

As shown in FIGS. 2 a through 2 c, the extension member 130 presents opposed first and second ends 132 a, 132 b. The first end 132 a defines a handle 134, and the second end 132 b has a second securing member 139 complementary to the first securing member 129 for selectively securing the brush plate 122 to the extension member 130. The handle 134 may be configured to allow a user's hand to be generally perpendicular to a length of the extension member 130, as shown in FIGS. 2 b and 2 c. In other words, a gripping portion 134 a of the handle 134 may be perpendicular to the length of the extension member 130. This handle configuration allows a user to comfortably grasp the extension member 130 and to easily apply force along the length of the extension member 130.

While various complementary first and second securing members 129, 139 may be utilized, it is currently preferred that one of the securing members 129, 139 includes a hole 129 a and that the other securing member 129, 139 includes a hook 139 a complementary to the hole 129 a. This allows the securing members 129, 139 to be operatively connected together, and it allows a limited amount of independent movement of the main brush 120 and the extension member 130.

In addition, the main brush 120 includes a handle receptacle 129 a mounted atop the brush plate 122, preferably about midway between ends 125 a and 125 b. The handle receptacle 129 a includes a configuration that is complementary to a configuration of a standard size broom or mop handle for selective insertion therein. Accordingly, a consumer may use the handle of a common household item as an auxiliary extension member, whereby to move the main brush 120 over a vehicle surface.

An auxiliary brush 140 may be separate from the main brush 120 and the extension member 130 and receivable in the storage housing 110. The auxiliary brush 140 includes a frame 142 having first and second ends 142 a, 142 b (FIGS. 3 a and 3 b). A first brush 144 having preselected cleaning characteristics (i.e., a mag brush designed for use on car rims) is adjacent the first end 142 a, and a second brush 146 having different preselected cleaning characteristics (i.e., a wheel brush designed for use on car tires) is adjacent the second end 142 b. A handle 147 may encompass at least a portion of the frame 142, and the auxiliary brush frame 142 may be offset adjacent the second brush 146, as shown in FIG. 3 a.

The first and second ends 142 a, 142 b of the auxiliary brush 140 may be selectively separable. FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show an adjustable pin 145 a attached to the second end 142 b cooperating with a hole 145 b defined by the first end 142 a to selectively unify the first and second ends 142 a, 142 b.

The first brush 144 may be selectively extendable from the auxiliary brush first end 142 a. FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show a locking bolt 148 attached to a sleeve 149 that is positioned inside the first end 142 a and attached to the first brush 144. The bolt 148 may move along a track 141 defined by the first end 142 a as the first brush 144 and the sleeve 149 are telescoped. To lock the first brush 144 in place, the bolt 148 may be tightened to the first end 142 a.

In use, the main brush 120, the extension member 130, and the auxiliary brush 140 may be removed from the storage housing 110 by removing the strap 114 and withdrawing the items through the open face 112. Water and detergent may be placed in the storage housing 110, and the opening 117 may act as an overflow outlet as discussed above.

A user may clean an automobile or another object using the main brush 120 by holding the ergonomic material 124 and moving the cleaning member 121 along the object being cleaned. The curvature of the lower face 122 b and the cleaning member 121 make it easy to follow curves on the object being cleaned, and by exerting pressure on the brush plate 122, the curvature lessens to ensure thorough cleaning of flat surfaces. The second securing member 139 of the extension member 130 may couple with the first securing member 129 of the main brush 120 to allow the user to clean a hard to reach surface (such as a top of a large automobile) without stretching or climbing; the user simply moves the extension member 130 by the handle 134, and the main brush 120 is moved accordingly.

The auxiliary brush 140 may also be used to clean the object. The first brush 144 may be telescoped as discussed above, and the first and second ends 142 a, 142 b may be separated as discussed above. It may be especially beneficial to separate the first and second ends 142 a, 142 b to clean the first and second brushes 144, 146 or to replace only one of the first and second ends 142 a, 142 b. This may be desirable if the first and second ends 142 a, 142 b contain disposable brushes 144, 146, for example.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof. 

1. A kit for washing a vehicle, said kit comprising: a main brush having a brush plate and a cleaning member, said brush plate having a handle region and an elongate lower face being bowed toward said handle region, said cleaning member extending from adjacent said brush plate in a direction away from said handle region, said brush plate including a first securing member; an elongate extension member presenting opposed first and second ends, said first end defining a handle, said second end having a second securing member complementary to said first securing member for selectively securing said brush plate to said extension member; and a storage housing dimensioned to selectively receive said main brush and said extension member therein, said storage housing being watertight to selectively retain water and detergent.
 2. The kit as in claim 1, wherein: said lower face of said brush plate presents opposed first and second ends being curved away from said cleaning member; and said first securing member is adjacent said first end of said brush plate lower face or said second end of said brush plate lower face.
 3. The kit as in claim 2, wherein said brush plate is constructed of a durable and pliable material that allows said lower face to become less bowed when pressure is placed against said lower face adjacent at least one of said first and second ends of said lower face.
 4. The kit as in claim 1, wherein said handle region defines a plurality of voids dimensioned to receive a user's fingers.
 5. The kit as in claim 4, wherein an ergonomic material is placed adjacent each said void to allow a user to easily grip said brush plate adjacent said voids.
 6. The kit as in claim 1, wherein: one of said first securing member and said second securing member includes a hole; and another of said first securing member and said second securing member includes a hook complementary to said hole.
 7. The kit as in claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary brush separate from said main brush and said extension member and receivable in said storage housing, said auxiliary brush including: a frame having first and second ends; a first brush having preselected cleaning characteristics adjacent said first end of said frame; and a second brush having different preselected cleaning characteristics adjacent said second end of said frame.
 8. The kit as in claim 7, wherein: a handle encompasses at least a portion of said auxiliary brush frame; said first and second ends of said auxiliary brush frame are selectively separable; said first brush is selectively extendable from said first end of said auxiliary brush frame; and said auxiliary brush frame is offset adjacent said second brush.
 9. The kit as in claim 1, wherein said extension member handle is configured to allow a user's hand to be generally perpendicular to a length of said extension member.
 10. The kit as in claim 1, wherein: said storage housing has an open face that provides access to an interior area defined by said storage housing; and a strap may be selectively positionable across said open face to selectively secure said interior area.
 11. The kit as in claim 10, wherein: said strap is a bungee strap; and a wall adjacent said open face defines an opening dimensioned to receive a user's fingers, said opening being positioned adjacent said open face to provide an overflow outlet adjacent said open face for said water and detergent selectively contained in said interior area.
 12. The kit as in claim 11, wherein said storage housing includes a fastening member for attaching said storage housing to a wall having a complementary fastening member.
 13. The kit as in claim 1, wherein: said lower face of said brush plate presents opposed first and second ends being curved away from said cleaning member; said first securing member is adjacent said first end of said brush plate lower face or said second end of said brush plate lower face; said brush plate is constructed of a durable and pliable material that allows said lower face to become less bowed when pressure is placed against said lower face adjacent at least one of said first and second ends of said lower face; said handle region defines a plurality of voids dimensioned to receive a user's fingers; said storage housing has an open face that provides access to an interior area defined by said storage housing; and a strap may be selectively positionable across said open face to selectively secure said interior area.
 14. The kit as in claim 13, further comprising an auxiliary brush separate from said main brush and said extension member and receivable in said storage housing, said auxiliary brush including: a frame having first and second ends; a first brush having preselected cleaning characteristics adjacent said first end of said frame; a second brush having different preselected cleaning characteristics adjacent said second end of said frame; a handle encompassing at least a portion of said frame; said first and second ends of said frame are selectively separable; said first brush is selectively extendable from said first end of said frame; and said frame is offset adjacent said second brush.
 15. A self-contained washing device, comprising: a main brush having a brush plate and a cleaning member, said brush plate having a handle region and an elongate lower face, said lower face being between said cleaning member and said handle region, said cleaning member being biased to a concave configuration, said brush plate including a first securing member; an elongate extension member presenting opposed first and second ends, said first end defining a handle, said second end having a second securing member complementary to said first securing member for selectively securing said brush plate to said extension member; and a storage housing dimensioned to selectively receive said main brush and said extension member therein, said storage housing being watertight to selectively retain water and detergent.
 16. The self-contained washing device as in claim 15, wherein said brush plate is constructed of a durable and pliable material that allows said cleaning member to become less concave when pressure is placed against said lower face adjacent at least one of said first and second ends of said lower face.
 17. The self-contained washing device as in claim 15, wherein: said lower face of said brush plate presents opposed first and second ends being curved away from said cleaning member; said first securing member is adjacent said first end of said brush plate lower face or said second end of said brush plate lower face; said handle region defines a plurality of voids dimensioned to receive a user's fingers; said storage housing has an open face that provides access to an interior area defined by said storage housing; and a strap may be selectively positionable across said open face to selectively secure said interior area.
 18. The self-contained washing device as in claim 17, further comprising an auxiliary brush separate from said main brush and said extension member and receivable in said storage housing, said auxiliary brush including: a frame having first and second ends; a first brush having preselected cleaning characteristics adjacent said first end of said frame; and a second brush having different preselected cleaning characteristics adjacent said second end of said frame.
 19. The self-contained washing device as in claim 18, wherein: a handle encompasses at least a portion of said auxiliary brush frame; said first and second ends of said auxiliary brush frame are selectively separable; said first brush is selectively extendable from said first end of said auxiliary brush frame; said auxiliary brush frame is offset adjacent said second brush; said strap is a bungee strap; and a wall adjacent said open face defines an opening dimensioned to receive a user's fingers, said opening being positioned adjacent said open face to provide an overflow outlet adjacent said open face for said water and detergent selectively contained in said interior area.
 20. The self-contained washing device as in claim 15, further comprising an auxiliary brush separate from said main brush and said extension member and receivable in said storage housing, said auxiliary brush including: a frame having first and second ends; a first brush having preselected cleaning characteristics adjacent said first end of said frame; and a second brush having different preselected cleaning characteristics adjacent said second end of said frame. 